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The drug is called Narcan, and some have dubbed it a wonder drug for the way it can quickly reverse the effects of a heroin overdose.

"It is a lifesaver, there's no question about that," said paramedic Chris Stawasz, general manager of American Medical Response.

Stawasz said the number of Narcan doses his crews have administered has increased 55 percent over last year.

"It says we have a problem, a significant problem that needs to be addressed," he said.

Currently, only licensed EMS providers and some police officers can administer the drug in New Hampshire. A bill filed by state Rep. Amanda Bouldin, D-N.H., would allow anyone to acquire Narcan with a prescription.

"My hope is that, in the future, New Hampshire residents with loved ones using heroin can carry Narcan in case of overdose," Bouldin said in a written statement. "The good news is that Narcan has no negative side effects. It's a miracle treatment."

But Stawasz said there can be problems if someone administers the drug who isn't properly trained.

"(The heroin user) generally will withdraw from the drug and can potentially be violent and need airway management," he said. "Those are things that need to be addressed before allowing a lay person to administer it."

Stawasz said the average person wouldn't have the breathing support tools medical professionals carry. They would also need to careful where the drug is stored. If it gets too cold, it won't be effective.

But he said he thinks the bill is worth discussing. Bouldin said the bill isn't a solution to the heroin problem, but it may help save lives and give addicts a chance to seek treatment.

Narcan can be administered several different ways, including intranasally.